Abstract: A seat for supporting an occupant of a vehicle and absorbing a force between the occupant and the vehicle created by relative movement between the occupant and the vehicle including a seat bottom and a seat back extending from the seat bottom. At least one of the seat bottom and the seat back includes a first energy absorbing device for absorbing at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a first magnitude. The one of the seat bottom and the seat back also includes a second energy absorbing device for absorbing at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude. The second energy absorbing device supports the first energy absorbing device so that the first energy absorbing device transmits a portion of the force to the second energy absorbing device when the force reaches the second magnitude.

Abstract: A seat supports an occupant of a vehicle and absorbs a force between the occupant and the vehicle created by relative movement between the occupant and the vehicle. The seat includes a seat bottom frame and a seat back supported on the seat bottom frame. A support moveably supports the seat bottom frame. An energy absorbing device is coupled to the support and the seat bottom frame. The energy absorbing device is configured to absorb energy during relative movement of the seat bottom frame and the support. A pin extends from one of the seat bottom frame and the support and the other of the seat bottom frame and the support defines a slot slideably receiving the pin. The slot extends along an axis for limiting relative movement of the seat bottom frame and the support along the axis.

Abstract: A seat for supporting an occupant of a vehicle and absorbing a force between the occupant and the vehicle created by relative movement between the occupant and the vehicle including a seat bottom and a seat back extending from the seat bottom. At least one of the seat bottom and the seat back includes a first energy absorbing device for absorbing at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a first magnitude. The one of the seat bottom and the seat back also includes a second energy absorbing device for absorbing at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude. The second energy absorbing device supports the first energy absorbing device so that the first energy absorbing device transmits a portion of the force to the second energy absorbing device when the force reaches the second magnitude.

Abstract: A seat supports an occupant of a vehicle and absorbs a force between the occupant and the vehicle created by relative movement between the occupant and the vehicle. The seat includes a seat back and a seat bottom frame supporting the seat back and extending from the seat back along an axis. A seat pan is moveably coupled to the seat bottom frame and an energy absorbing device is coupled to the seat bottom frame and the seat pan. The energy absorbing device is configured to absorb at least a portion of the force between the occupant and the vehicle when the seat pan moves relative to the seat bottom frame. A link is pivotably coupled to the seat pan and to the seat bottom frame and guides movement of the seat pan relative to the seat bottom frame away from the seat back along the axis when the seat pan moves relative to the seat bottom frame.

Abstract: A device for a vehicle supports an occupant of the vehicle and absorbs a force between the occupant and the vehicle created by relative movement between the occupant and the vehicle. The device includes a pan for supporting the occupant. A first energy absorbing device is coupled to the pan and configured to absorb at least a portion of the force when a magnitude of the force reaches a first magnitude. A second energy absorbing device supports the first energy absorbing device and is configured to absorb at least a portion of the force when the magnitude of the force reaches a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude. A third energy absorbing device supports the second energy absorbing device and is configured to absorb at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a third magnitude greater than the second magnitude.

Abstract: A seat for supporting an occupant of a vehicle and absorbing a force between the occupant and the vehicle created by relative movement between the occupant and the vehicle including a seat bottom and a seat back extending from the seat bottom. At least one of the seat bottom and the seat back includes a first energy absorbing device for absorbing at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a first magnitude. The one of the seat bottom and the seat back also includes a second energy absorbing device for absorbing at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude. The second energy absorbing device supports the first energy absorbing device so that the first energy absorbing device transmits a portion of the force to the second energy absorbing device when the force reaches the second magnitude.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and a seatback. The seatback includes a seatback frame and is selectively rotatable relative to the seat bottom from an upright position to a forward position. A seatbelt assembly includes a retractor coupled to the seatback frame and a belt selectively extendable from and retractable to the retractor. A first end of the belt is disposed in the retractor. A guide is coupled to the seatback frame and defines an orifice with the belt slideably extending through the orifice. The retractor and the guide are fixed relative to the seatback frame and the second end of the belt is fixed to the seatback frame. The retractor, the guide, and both ends of the belt rotate from the upright position to the forward position in response to a force exerted on the seatback frame during rapid deceleration of the seat assembly.

Abstract: A seat for supporting an occupant of a vehicle and absorbing a force between the occupant and the vehicle created by relative movement between the occupant and the vehicle including a seat bottom and a seat back extending from the seat bottom. At least one of the seat bottom and the seat back includes a first energy absorbing device for absorbing at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a first magnitude. The one of the seat bottom and the seat back also includes a second energy absorbing device for absorbing at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude. The second energy absorbing device supports the first energy absorbing device so that the first energy absorbing device transmits a portion of the force to the second energy absorbing device when the force reaches the second magnitude.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and a seatback. The seatback includes a seatback frame and is selectively rotatable relative to the seat bottom from an upright position to a forward position. A seatbelt assembly includes a retractor coupled to the seatback frame and a belt selectively extendable from and retractable to the retractor. A first end of the belt is disposed in the retractor. A guide is coupled to the seatback frame and defines an orifice with the belt slideably extending through the orifice. The retractor and the guide are fixed relative to the seatback frame and the second end of the belt is fixed to the seatback frame. The retractor, the guide, and both ends of the belt rotate from the upright position to the forward position in response to a force exerted on the seatback frame during rapid deceleration of the seat assembly.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and a seatback. The seatback includes a seatback frame and is selectively rotatable relative to the seat bottom from an upright position to a forward position. A seatbelt assembly includes a retractor coupled to the seatback frame and a belt selectively extendable from and retractable to the retractor. A first end of the belt is disposed in the retractor. A guide is coupled to the seatback frame and defines an orifice with the belt slideably extending through the orifice. The retractor and the guide are fixed relative to the seatback frame and the second end of the belt is fixed to the seatback frame. The retractor, the guide, and both ends of the belt rotate from the upright position to the forward position in response to a force exerted on the seatback frame during rapid deceleration of the seat assembly.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and a seatback. The seatback includes a seatback frame and is selectively rotatable relative to the seat bottom from an upright position to a forward position. A seatbelt assembly includes a retractor coupled to the seatback frame and a belt selectively extendable from and retractable to the retractor. A first end of the belt is disposed in the retractor. A guide is coupled to the seatback frame and defines an orifice with the belt slideably extending through the orifice. The retractor and the guide are fixed relative to the seatback frame and the second end of the belt is fixed to the seatback frame. The retractor, the guide, and both ends of the belt rotate from the upright position to the forward position in response to a force exerted on the seatback frame during rapid deceleration of the seat assembly.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and a seatback. The seatback includes a seatback frame and is selectively rotatable relative to the seat bottom from an upright position to a forward position. A seatbelt assembly includes a retractor coupled to the seatback frame and a belt selectively extendable from and retractable to the retractor. A first end of the belt is disposed in the retractor. A guide is coupled to the seatback frame and defines an orifice with the belt slideably extending through the orifice. The retractor and the guide are fixed relative to the seatback frame and the second end of the belt is fixed to the seatback frame. The retractor, the guide, and both ends of the belt rotate from the upright position to the forward position in response to a force exerted on the seatback frame during rapid deceleration of the seat assembly.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle, such as a school bus, accommodates two or three passengers, depending on the size and stature of the passengers. The seat assembly is equipped with three seatbelts and five buckles spaced along a seatback. When three passengers are utilizing the seat assembly, each of the three seatbelts and three of the buckles are utilized. When two passengers are utilizing the seat assembly, two of the seatbelts and the remaining two buckles are utilized. The seatbelts and buckles are visually coded and/or keyed to prevent improper use. When the buckles are not being utilized, they are housed in cavities formed in the seatback to avoid interference with the passengers.

Abstract: A modular system for use in a vehicle comprising a hanger bracket adapted to be secured to the vehicle. A second hanger bracket member is slidably connected with a first hanger bracket. A platform member extends transverse to the second hanger bracket member. An extension is slidably disposed on the platform. The extension defines a first groove thereon. The extension defines a second groove thereon. A top deck panel is disposed adjacent the first platform extension section and is disposed in the first groove. A bottom deck panel is disposed adjacent the second platform extension section and is disposed in the second groove. The modular system can provide many functions in the vehicle such as, luggage racks, HVAC ducting, wiring raceways, lighting, advertising panels, and window blinds.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a support structure and a seat bottom mounted to the support structure. A seatback is coupled to the support structure and is rotatable about a longitudinal axis between a first collision position when applying a first force to the seatback and a second collision position when applying a second force to the seatback. A first energy absorbing member is mounted to the seat bottom for absorbing energy when the seatback rotates to the first collision position. A second energy absorbing member includes a first end coupled to the first energy absorbing member and a second end coupled to the seatback for absorbing energy when the seatback rotates to the second collision position after the first energy absorbing member absorbs energy in the first collision position.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle, such as a school bus, accommodates two or three passengers, depending on the size and stature of the passengers. The seat assembly is equipped with three seatbelts and five buckles spaced along a seatback. When three passengers are utilizing the seat assembly, each of the three seatbelts and three of the buckles are utilized. When two passengers are utilizing the seat assembly, two of the seatbelts and the remaining two buckles are utilized. The seatbelts and buckles are visually coded and/or keyed to prevent improper use. When the buckles are not being utilized, they are housed in cavities formed in the seatback to avoid interference with the passengers.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and a seatback. The seatback includes a seatback frame and is selectively rotatable relative to the seat bottom from an upright position to a forward position. A seatbelt assembly includes a retractor coupled to the seatback frame and a belt selectively extendable from and retractable to the retractor. A first end of the belt is disposed in the retractor. A guide is coupled to the seatback frame and defines an orifice with the belt slideably extending through the orifice. The retractor and the guide are fixed relative to the seatback frame and the second end of the belt is fixed to the seatback frame. The retractor, the guide, and both ends of the belt rotate from the upright position to the forward position in response to a force exerted on the seatback frame during rapid deceleration of the seat assembly.

Abstract: A modular system for use in a vehicle comprising a hanger bracket adapted to be secured to the vehicle. A second hanger bracket member is slidably connected with a first hangar bracket. A platform member extends transverse to the second hanger bracket member. An extension is slidably disposed on the platform. The extension defines a first groove thereon. The extension defines a second groove thereon. A top deck panel is disposed adjacent the first platform extension section and is disposed in the first groove. A bottom deck panel is disposed adjacent the second platform extension section and is disposed in the second groove. The modular system can provide many functions in the vehicle such as, luggage racks, HVAC ducting, wiring raceways, lighting, advertising panels, and window blinds.

Abstract: A motorized vent and escape hatch assembly has a mounting ring fastened to a vehicle roof around a hatch hole, and a hatch cover that is attached to the mounting ring by a first over center hinge linkage mechanism pivotally connecting one side of the hatch cover to the mounting ring and a second over center mechanism pivotally connecting an opposite side of the hatch cover to the mounting ring. Each over center hinge linkage mechanism has first and second lever members pivotally connected to the mounting ring at one end, first and second plungers that are connected to the respective first and second plungers at the opposite end and that extend into opposite ends of a tube that is connected to the hatch cover. A compression spring in the tube biases the first and second plungers away from each other.

Abstract: A bus has three examples of a vehicle signal light assembly. Each assembly includes a housing base with a perimeter wall defining a cavity. The cavity includes an end portion set off by a partition in the cavity. Separate circuit boards are disposed in the end portion and the remaining portion of the cavity. Each circuit board has an array of LEDs that convey a message. One circuit board can be positioned in the end cavity portion in at least two different orientations. The end portion of the cavity and the one circuit board are preferably octagonal in shape to accommodate several orientations of a circuit board having arrays of LEDs arranged in symbols such as an arrow or a stop sign.